Also known as: Cholelithiasis
Gallstones are hardened deposits of digestive fluid that can form in the gallbladder, a small organ that stores bile used in fat digestion. Many people with gallstones have no symptoms (silent gallstones), but when a stone blocks a bile duct, it can cause sudden, intense pain known as biliary colic. Treatment is only needed when gallstones cause symptoms or complications.
People with Gallstones often experience the following symptoms.
Certain factors may increase your likelihood of developing Gallstones.
Seek immediate medical care if abdominal pain is so intense you cannot sit still, is accompanied by yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), high fever with chills, or dark urine and clay-colored stools. These symptoms may indicate complications like bile duct infection (cholangitis) or gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis), which require urgent treatment.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.